We saw another great round of English Premier League games come to an end on Sunday with an absolutely thrilling 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Manchester United.
It was breathless tuff, but now we get a little break from league play to turn our attention to the FA Cup.
English FA Cup Top Picks Analysis
This is the 3rd Round of the tournament, which means that it’s time for the big guns to enter the competition, with the lower league teams that survived the preliminary and early rounds looking to cash in on a big matchup.
There will also be a bunch of teams hoping to play the role of Cinderella with an upset, but will we see any of that this weekend?
The FA Cup action begins on Thursday and carries on through the weekend, so let’s pick out the matchups that jump out to us.
Fulham -340 vs Watford +790 Draw +440
FA Cup Prediction: Fulham 2-0 Watford
FA Cup Spread: Fulham -1.5 (total O/U 2.5)
When: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 1:45 PM
The first game on our preview is set to go on Thursday afternoon and this is one that has the potential to deliver a surprise. In fact, in their 4 previous meetings, Fulham has yet to record a win, losing 3 and drawing the other. Of course, those meetings came when these teams were at the same level, but right now, Fulham is in a higher league.
Fulham is sitting in the middle of the Premier League table, but they are also unbeaten in their last 5, although 4 ended in a tie. Watford is in the Championship, sitting in 9th and heading in the wrong direction after losing 4 of their last 5 games.
^Aston Villa -143 vs West Ham +310 Draw +320
FA Cup Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham
FA Cup Spread: Aston Villa -0.5 (total O/U 2.5)
When: Friday, January 10, 2025, 2:00 PM
Given the number of teams still alive in the competition, it’s always somewhat surprising to see a matchup between a pair of Premier League teams at this stage, but we do have a couple coming our way. Villa is sitting in 8th in the EPL right now and well within reach of the European spots up for grabs at the top of the table.
West Ham is a little too close to the relegation zone for comfort, and while you would expect them to survive, you cannot ignore the fact that they have been poor of late, losing 2 in a row and surrendering 9 goals in the process. They could be in trouble again on Friday afternoon.
^English FA Cup Top Picks provided by MyBookie
Bristol City +220 vs Wolves +113 Draw +250
FA Cup Prediction: Bristol City 0-1 Wolves
FA Cup Spread: Wolves -0.5 (total O/U 2.5)
When: Saturday, January 11, 2025, 6:00 AM
There are a couple of games where the potential for an upset result looks very good indeed, with this one very much near the top of the list. Bristol City are currently in the Championship, and while they are down in 8th, they are still in the hunt for one of the playoff spots. They have been on fire of late, winning 3 and drawing 1 in their last 4 games.
Wolves are down near the relegation zone in the EPL, but a managerial change seems to have given them some life, as they have now picked up 7 points from their last 3 games. This is going to be a tough little road trip, and while a draw could be a good bet, I am going to take Wolves to edge it.
^Leicester -183 vs Queens Park Rangers +420 Draw +330
FA Cup Prediction: Leicester 1-2 QPR
FA Cup Spread: Leicester -1.5 (total O/U 2.5)
When: Saturday, January 11, 2025, 8:00 AM
This is another matchup that has the potential for an upset despite the fact that these two teams are in different divisions. That might not be the case for very much longer, though, with Leicester in real trouble in the Premier League standings. They are in deep trouble at the moment and are showing no sign of being able to dig themselves out. They are just a couple of points from safety, but they have lost each of their last 5 games.
QPR is sitting down in the bottom half of the table in the Championship, but they have been better of late and are coming off a win this past weekend. I am going to take a shot at QPR springing the mild upset.
^Norwich +450 vs Brighton -185 Draw +320
FA Cup Prediction: Norwich 0-1 Brighton
FA Cup Spread: Brighton -1.5 (total O/U 2.5)
When: Saturday, January 11, 2025, 9:00 AM
Another matchup between a Championship team and a Premier League side, and another one that might well be closer than some people expect. Norwich has been a bit of a yo-yo team over the years, going up and down between the top 2 divisions.
They are sitting in the middle of the table in the Championship right now, but they are playing well, going unbeaten (3W 1D) in their last 4 games. Brighton has slipped down to 10th in the EPL, and while they have gone unbeaten in their last 4 games, those games have all ended in ties. This is a tricky road trip for the visitors, but I think they find a way to win.
^Nottingham Forest -270 vs Luton +640 Draw +390
FA Cup Prediction: Nottingham Forest 3-0 Luton
FA Cup Spread: Nottingham Forest -1.5 (total O/U 2.5)
When: Saturday, January 11, 2025, 9:00 AM
Last season, these two teams were in a relegation battle in the Premier League. Forest survived, and are now thriving, while Luton made the drop to the Championship. Nottingham Forest has been one of the surprise teams in the EPL this season, sitting 3rd right now, which would mean a Champions League spot next year if they can stay in the top 4.
They have won each of their last 5 games and are looking like a real contender. Things have gone from bad to worse for Luton, as they are getting drawn into another relegation fight in the Championship.
^Arsenal -168 vs Manchester United +430 Draw +290
FA Cup Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United
FA Cup Spread: Arsenal -0.5 (total O/U 2.5)
When: Sunday, January 12, 2025, 9:00 AM
This is easily the biggest matchup of the FA Cup 3rd Round, with the title contenders going up against the defending FA Cup holders. Arsenal is once again sitting in 2nd in the EPL, seeing a winning streak come to an end with a 1-1 draw against Brighton in their last matchup.
The good news is that they did not lose ground, with Liverpool drawing against Manchester United this past weekend. United are proving to be something of a Jekyll and Hyde team this season, seemingly saving their best for the bigger matchups. Given Arsenal’s injury issues, I think this one might go to a replay.
^The #EmiratesFACup third round is back this week 😍
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 6, 2025
What's your favourite third round moment? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/CCc7fRq1eU
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2023 FA Cup: 3rd Round Games
The 2022-23 FA Cup season will return with the top Premier League teams in action. Therefore, we can be sure that the action won’t be below par. The FA Cup is bringing us incredible action this third round, and we are looking at some exciting matches. As a result, we want to explore some incredible FA Cup Betting opportunities in this article.
2022-23 FA Cup Third Round Games: Betting Opportunities
Manchester United vs Everton Goals Market
Manchester United has been in form since its return to the English Premier League. The team is yet to lose a game. On the other hand, Everton has been struggling to get three points. However, like United, Everton has been able to find the net on multiple occasions since its return to club football.
As a result, we believe the goals market will offer excellent betting opportunities since we believe both teams have what it takes to find the net. Despite United having a solid defense, this game has the chance of ending with both teams getting a goal. Therefore, our bet for this tie would be for both teams to score.
Crystal Palace vs Southampton Half-Time Market
Both teams haven’t done much since the return of club football. It has been a rollercoaster of results for the teams. However, one thing has been a common factor, which is half-time draws or both teams not getting a goal. Therefore, we would look to the half-time market for betting opportunities in this tie.
We believe Crystal Palace and Southampton are equally matched. Therefore, we see them holding each other to a half-time draw. As a result, if we want to make any pick for this match, we would be going with the half-time draw option. This option makes sense because we don’t see anything that will separate both teams.
Manchester City vs Chelsea Handicap Market
Following Chelsea’s woes, the team hasn’t been performing well. They’ve struggled to win games, and as a result, they are the underdogs in this tie, and rightfully so. Manchester City has a solid team. However, this tie will be the third time they are facing the Blues. And we expect something to change.
In that case, we believe giving Chelsea a goal or two ahead will be the best betting opportunity. We don’t see Chelsea losing with a two-goal lead. Therefore, we will be going with the handicap market in this tie.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Newcastle United Goals Market
Newcastle United has been on a different level since the takeover. The team currently sits in the top four of the English Premier League, and there is a chance that they can challenge for the title. Newcastle United will be looking forward to winning their first trophy in many years. Therefore, the FA Cup will be an essential competition.
However, Sheffield Wednesday is a team that knows how to break defenses and score goals. In that case, we see both teams getting a goal. So, our bets will be focused on the goals markets. We believe both teams will score three or more goals combined.
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